Beef Noodle Soup

Imagine a steaming bowl of beef noodle soup, where tender beef mingles with aromatic spices, creating a symphony of flavors and warmth.

This Taiwanese classic isn’t only simple to prepare but also offers a comforting and indulgent experience, perfect for any chilly day.

As the beef slowly simmers, the flavors deepen, transforming humble ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal.

Let’s bring this hearty dish to life and savor its delightful warmth.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 ladle
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 strainer

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef shank, cubed
• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 star anise pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon ginger, sliced
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 1 packet dried noodles
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Beef Noodle Soup, follow this timeline:

1. Preparation (15 minutes total)
   • 0:00 – 2:00 minutes: Read through the entire recipe and gather all ingredients and equipment.
   • 2:00 – 5:00 minutes: Cube the beef shank.
   • 5:00 – 8:00 minutes: Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
   • 8:00 – 10:00 minutes: Slice the ginger and chop the green onions.
   • 10:00 – 12:00 minutes: Measure out the soy sauce, sugar, and prepare the star anise pods and cinnamon stick.
   • 12:00 – 15:00 minutes: Organize all ingredients for easy access during cooking.
2. Cooking (2 hours and 10 minutes total)
   • 0:00 – 5:00 minutes: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown beef shank on all sides.
   • 5:00 – 6:00 minutes: Remove beef and set aside.
   • 6:00 – 10:00 minutes: Sauté onion and garlic in the same pot until fragrant.
   • 10:00 – 12:00 minutes: Add beef back to the pot.
   • 12:00 – 15:00 minutes: Pour in water, add soy sauce, sugar, star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. Bring to a boil.
   • 15:00 – 2:05:00: Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
   • During this time, periodically check and adjust seasoning as needed.
   • 2:05:00 – 2:15:00: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add green onions and start cooking the noodles according to package instructions.
   • 2:15:00 – 2:20:00: Strain the soup, discarding the spices.
   • 2:20:00 – 2:25:00: Serve soup over cooked noodles and garnish with cilantro.
3. Resting Time (10 minutes)
   • 2:25:00 – 2:35:00: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Recipe Instructions

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add beef shank and brown on all sides.

Remove beef and set aside.

In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

Add beef back to the pot.

Pour in water and add soy sauce, sugar, star anise, cinnamon, and ginger.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.

In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add green onions.

Cook noodles according to package instructions.

Strain the soup and discard the spices.

Serve soup over cooked noodles.

Garnish with cilantro.

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Pickled Vegetables: The tangy crunch of pickled vegetables complements the rich broth beautifully.
• Steamed Bok Choy: Add a healthy, vibrant green side to balance the flavors.
• Chili Oil: Drizzle some chili oil for an extra kick of heat and depth.
• Kimchi: Its spicy and fermented flavors provide a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
• Fried Shallots: Sprinkle on top for a crispy texture and a hint of sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover beef noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.

Freezing

To freeze beef noodle soup, cool it completely.

Store it in airtight containers and label with the date.

Freeze noodles separately to prevent them from becoming mushy when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat beef noodle soup, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Stir occasionally. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and flavor.

Add fresh cilantro after reheating for brightness.

Final Thoughts

Beef noodle soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender beef, aromatic spices, and hearty noodles.

The key to achieving a rich and deeply infused broth lies in the slow simmering process.

This allows the beef to become tender and the spices to meld seamlessly into the soup.

Remember to periodically taste and adjust the seasoning, as the noodles will absorb some of the broth’s saltiness.

Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a bright and invigorating touch to the dish.

After cooking, let the soup rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle, ensuring a satisfying and delicious meal for everyone to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use a different cut of beef. Opt for cuts like chuck or brisket, which offer rich flavor and tenderness. Make certain you adjust cooking time accordingly, as different cuts might require longer to become tender.

How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?

Add chili oil or fresh chili peppers to increase the spice level. Incorporate Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing heat. Adjust the spiciness by adding these ingredients gradually, tasting as you go to achieve your desired heat.

What Are Some Alternative Garnishes Besides Cilantro?

You can elevate your dish by garnishing with sliced green onions, thinly sliced red chili for heat, or toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. Fresh basil or mint leaves can add a rejuvenating aromatic twist.

Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Soup?

You can create a vegetarian version by substituting beef with tofu or mushrooms and using vegetable broth. Enhance flavor with soy sauce, star anise, and cinnamon. Make certain the spices infuse well for a rich, savory broth.

Can I Use Fresh Noodles Instead of Dried?

You can use fresh noodles instead of dried. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh noodles cook faster. Make certain they’re cooked al dente before adding to the soup for the best texture and flavor integration.